Paul Walker tribute expected to attract thousands

A tribute to “Fast &Furious” actor Paul Walker scheduled for Sunday in Valencia, Calif., is expected to draw thousands of auto enthusiasts and fans who will participate in a memorial rally and car cruise.

Organizers are using Facebook to promote the gathering, which is expected to begin about 1 p.m. They expect about 6,000 people to attend the rally at the site of the fiery car crash that took the life of Walker and his friend, Roger Rodas.

Officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are preparing for a large crowd, moving items placed at an informal memorial at the scene of the accident.

Nearby North Park Community Church is urging its members to consider parking Sunday farther from the church than usual because of the expected crowd. The church has also made arrangements for free coffee and water for people attending the event.

Walker and Rodas were killed Nov. 30 when a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT driven by Rodas, 38, crashed into a pole and a tree on Hercules Street near Kelly Johnson Parkway. Walker, 40, was a passenger in the vehicle.

The two had decided to go for a ride in the 600-horsepower car after attending a charity event sponsored by Reach Out Worldwide, Walker’s nonprofit organization that provides assistance for disaster victims around the globe.

Walker died from a combination of injuries and burns suffered in the crash, according to coroner’s officials. Rodas’ death was the result of “multiple traumatic injuries.”

Sheriff’s officials said speed was a factor in the crash, but there was no evidence the pair were involved in a street race.

Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what caused the crash and whether there was a possible mechanical failure, causing Rodas to lose control.

The results of toxicology tests are not expected for six to eight weeks.